Why don't you just jump in and get started? You might find it's not as bad as the dread. You can always quilt really simply by using a walking foot and doing a simple cross hatch all over, or straight lines up and down. Or a big squiggle meander all over. I saw some quilts for sale at a flea market and the meander was really huge. The quilts were soft and cuddly.
Piecing is artistry, but quilts get their personality from the quilting!
Just think of all the Christmas gifts you will have!